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Does "full range" really mean anything?

OK, what's up with all the people who list as "full range" speakers that, by the manufacturer's own inflated spec sheets, do not claim to be full range? Speakers that only go down to 45 or 50 hz? And if we're gonna fudge the meaning of "full range" doesn't it make more sense to fudge it on the high end, since most people, especially people over 30, can't hear to 20,000hz anyway? I've recently checked my 47-year-old ears and discovered that I'm no longer hearing anything above about 16,000hz. But I'm hearing low-end just fine. I've also been studying the ads here for full-range speakers, waiting for a reasonably priced pair to come available. But I find that most ads for speakers are not, in fact, for full range speakers. Is this just semantics?
winegasman
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
There is a lot of music that has no real low frequency signal, and the high end, above 14KHz becomes less and less important as you go through life. There are other characteristics of a loudspeaker that remain important, and a "full range" speaker (meaning no crossover" can excel for these characteristics.

I endorse the idea of a secondary loudspeaker system , to be used instead of the primary one when the music and listening conditions are appropriate. A small full range speaker is a good choice for this.
timo's avatar
timo
610 posts
 
It's supposed to mean the full spectrum of human hearing capability (20-20,000 Hz).
themadmilkman
182 posts
 
full range speakers is complete marketing and nothing else period!! Most (98%) of the best speakers in the world (cost no object) are designed to not be full range but to cover a lesser range with better sonics.

And exactly which part of your nether region did you pull that statistic from?
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
I agree with Timo, but I have also found that my hearing above 16kHz is quite limited, so I never worry about any HF extension above about 18kHz. On the other hand I think that the LF information (down to 20Hz and below) really helps to recreate the atmosphere of a real venue. (I bought an active sub about 2 years ago and it transformed my system).

I also agree with CDC that a two-way design cannot possibly produce real low bass without severely compromising the mid-range, since the same driver can shift air at 20Hz and also be accurately reproducing 3kHz at the same time.
mahandave
153 posts
 
Ok 100% of the best speakers are pupose bass limited with all speakers designed to be 20-20 an exercise in ignorance. I stated 98% just to be kind to the unlucky few who think they have full range speakers- is that more accurate for you Themadmilkman.
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